Spalding-area GPs urge patients to know their numbers

South Lincolnshire GPs are backing a national NHS campaign by urging patients to get their blood pressure checked during Know Your Numbers Week, which runs until Sunday, September 15.

Surgeries invited patients to visit www.bloodpressureuk.org to find their nearest pharmacy offering free checks. The campaign recognises that around 30 per cent of the UK population suffers from high blood pressure, which can cause serious illnesses including heart attacks.

In the UK high blood pressure is the third biggest risk factor for all disease after smoking and poor diet. Around one in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure. In England 31 per centof men and 26 per cent of women have high blood pressure.

Blood pressure test (16361598)

The tests, which tell patients if their blood pressure is normal, high or low, can play an important role in reducing harm caused by heart attacks, strokes and other serious health complications resulting from high or low blood pressure.

The checks will be undertaken by fully-qualified staff, with vital follow-up guidance given as necessary. Resources and tips from the British Heart Foundation on how to keep your heart healthy by reducing your blood cholesterol, changing diet, keeping active, reducing salt intake and maintaining a healthy weight will also be available.

Anyone wanting their blood pressure checked by their GP practice should call their surgery to make an appointment.

GPs are urging people to have blood pressure tests. (16361600)

The ideal blood pressure range is below 120 over 80 (120/80mmHg) but most adults in the UK have readings from 120/80mmHg to 140/90mmHg.